Life in Russia and Ukraine

A man holds a sign reading “Illegal referendum” and a woman holds a sign reading “I love Ukraine!” as members of the Crimean Tatar community take part in a demonstration rally in Bakhchisarai on March 14. (Viktor Drachev, AFP/Getty Images)

Life in Ukraine for the common person has not been good and getting worse in recent years because of the insanely corrupt government of former President Viktor Yanukovych. However, the people understood this and they finally revolted at the end of 2013, threw out the old boss, and are trying to set up a new order.

Life in Russia for the common person has not been good for a long time, but the incredible Russian propaganda machine has convinced many of them that this is normal or is caused by the evil West (mainly the USA). Those who are not convinced are afraid to speak out or have been neutralized.

Here’s a little joke circulating on the Web recently (in Russian):

A dog is running across the border from Ukraine to Russia. Other dogs ask it: “Where are you going?”

The dog replies: “I’m going to Russia — it’s bad living in Ukraine!”

A week later, the same dog is running back across the border from Russia to Ukraine. Other dogs ask it: “Where are you going now?”

The dog answers: “I’m going back to Ukraine — at least I can bark there!”

Ihor Figlus, Wheat Ridge

This letter was published in the March 15 edition.

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